In What Order Should I Watch Doctor Who?

In What Order Should I Watch Doctor Who?

For new fans diving into the TARDIS, the best order to watch Doctor Who is generally by airdate within each respective era (Classic and NuWho), though the modern series offers slightly more flexibility. This ensures you experience the unfolding narrative and character development as intended, maximizing your enjoyment of the Doctor Who universe.

A Journey Through Time and Space: Understanding Doctor Who

Doctor Who, the BBC’s enduring science fiction television program, has captivated audiences for generations. Since its debut in 1963, the series has undergone significant changes, including shifts in lead actors (the Doctor regenerates!), showrunners, and visual style. Understanding these different eras is crucial when considering in what order should I watch Doctor Who.

Classic Who vs. NuWho: Two Distinct Eras

The Doctor Who timeline can be broadly divided into two distinct eras: Classic Who and NuWho.

• Classic Who: This refers to the original series, which ran from 1963 to 1989 (with a TV movie in 1996). Classic Who is characterized by its lower budget, slower pacing, and more episodic storytelling. Many episodes are missing from the BBC archives due to archival practices of the time.

• NuWho: This refers to the revived series, which began in 2005 and continues to the present day. NuWho features higher production values, faster pacing, and a greater emphasis on serialized storytelling, with overarching narratives spanning multiple episodes or entire seasons.

The Benefits of Watching in Airdate Order

Watching Doctor Who in airdate order, especially in the NuWho era, provides several key benefits:

• Character Development: You witness the gradual evolution of the Doctor and their companions, gaining a deeper understanding of their motivations and relationships.
• Story Arc Comprehension: Complex storylines unfold organically, allowing you to piece together the overarching narrative in the way it was intended.
• Avoiding Spoilers: Watching episodes out of order can inadvertently reveal key plot points or character fates from later episodes.
• Understanding References: The show often includes references to past episodes, and watching in order allows you to fully appreciate these nods to continuity.
• Experiencing the Show as Intended: Showrunners craft each season with a specific vision, and watching in order respects their artistic intentions.

Recommended Viewing Order: A Detailed Breakdown

While purists might advocate for starting with the very first episode from 1963, many new fans find Classic Who challenging due to its age and availability. Therefore, many begin with NuWho and then explore Classic Who based on their interest.

Here’s a recommended viewing order:

1. NuWho (2005-Present):

   • Series 1 (2005): Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor.
   • Series 2-4 (2006-2008): David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor.
   • Specials (2009-2010): Tennant’s final appearances.
   • Series 5-7 (2010-2013): Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor.
   • 50th Anniversary Special (“The Day of the Doctor”): A must-see!
   • Series 8-10 (2014-2017): Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor.
   • Series 11-13 (2018-2022): Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.
   • 60th Anniversary Specials (2023): David Tennant returns as the Fourteenth Doctor
   • Series 14 (2024-Present): Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor

2. Classic Who (1963-1989, 1996):

   • Start with episodes featuring Doctors that interest you. Recommended starting points include:
     • An Unearthly Child (First Doctor)
     • Genesis of the Daleks (Fourth Doctor)
     • Caves of Androzani (Fifth Doctor)
     • Remembrance of the Daleks (Seventh Doctor)
   • Consider using reconstruction episodes (audio with still images or animation) for missing episodes.

Navigating Missing Episodes

A significant number of Classic Doctor Who episodes are missing from the BBC archives. These episodes were often wiped or destroyed due to outdated archival practices. Fans have creatively addressed this issue by creating “reconstructions,” which combine audio recordings of the original episodes with still images or animation. These reconstructions offer a way to experience the stories even without the original footage. Websites and fan communities dedicated to Doctor Who are excellent resources for finding these reconstructions.

The “Moffat Era” and its Impact

Steven Moffat served as showrunner from 2010 to 2017 (Series 5-10), a period often referred to as the “Moffat Era.” This era is characterized by its intricate plots, timey-wimey storylines, and emphasis on fairy tale elements. While the Moffat era is generally watched in airdate order, some fans find it rewarding to revisit specific episodes or storylines after gaining a broader understanding of the series.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When considering in what order should I watch Doctor Who, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Skipping Episodes: Even seemingly standalone episodes can contribute to character development or foreshadow future events.
• Starting with a Random Episode: This can lead to confusion and a lack of context.
• Ignoring the Production Order: Airdate order is generally the best way to experience the show as intended.
• Being Afraid of Classic Who: While it might seem daunting, Classic Who offers a wealth of compelling stories and iconic moments.

Alternative Viewing Orders (For Advanced Viewers)

While airdate order is generally recommended, some alternative viewing orders can be considered for advanced viewers or those with specific interests:

• Doctor-Centric Order: Focus on episodes featuring a particular Doctor.
• Villain-Centric Order: Explore episodes featuring specific villains, such as the Daleks or the Cybermen.
• Thematic Order: Group episodes based on common themes, such as time travel paradoxes or environmental issues.

FAQ – In What Order Should I Watch Doctor Who?

Should I start with Classic Who or NuWho?

While die-hard fans might suggest starting at the very beginning, it’s generally recommended for new viewers to begin with NuWho (2005) due to its higher production values and more accessible storytelling. This provides a gentler introduction to the Doctor Who universe before diving into the older, often more challenging, Classic series.

Do I need to watch every single episode?

While watching every episode provides the most complete experience, it’s not strictly necessary, especially with Classic Who, where many episodes are missing. Focus on key storylines and episodes that pique your interest. Recaps and online resources can help fill in any gaps.

What if I don’t like a particular Doctor?

Each Doctor brings a unique personality and approach to the role. If you find yourself disliking a particular Doctor, it’s worth trying a few more episodes before giving up entirely. You might be surprised to find that their character grows on you over time, or you might simply prefer a different era.

Are the spin-off series important to watch?

Spin-off series like Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures expand upon the Doctor Who universe and feature characters and storylines connected to the main series. While they are not essential, they can enhance your overall understanding and enjoyment of the show.

What’s the best way to find missing Classic Who episodes?

Many missing episodes have been reconstructed using audio recordings and still images. These reconstructions are available on various fan websites and online forums. Additionally, some episodes have been animated.

How important are the Christmas specials?

The Christmas specials are often significant events in the Doctor Who timeline, introducing new companions, featuring important plot developments, and providing a festive atmosphere. While not always essential to the overarching narrative, they are generally worth watching.

What are the best resources for learning more about Doctor Who?

Numerous websites, podcasts, and books are dedicated to Doctor Who. Reputable sources like the BBC’s official Doctor Who website, the TARDIS Data Core wiki, and Doctor Who Magazine offer a wealth of information.

Should I watch the web series or audio dramas?

Web series and audio dramas provide additional content within the Doctor Who universe. These are optional but can be a fun way to further immerse yourself in the show. Big Finish Productions is a popular source for high-quality audio dramas.

Is there a specific order I should watch the multi-Doctor episodes?

Multi-Doctor episodes, such as “The Day of the Doctor,” are special events that bring together multiple incarnations of the Doctor. These episodes are best enjoyed after you have a good understanding of the Doctors involved. Watching them too early can spoil key plot points.

What is the significance of the 50th Anniversary Special?

“The Day of the Doctor” is a landmark episode that celebrates the show’s 50th anniversary and features David Tennant, Matt Smith, and John Hurt as Doctors. It’s a highly regarded episode that provides important context to the Time War storyline and is generally considered essential viewing.

Is it okay to skip filler episodes?

While some episodes might be considered “filler,” even these episodes can contribute to character development or provide a breather between more intense storylines. It’s generally recommended to watch most episodes to get the full experience.

What if I’m still confused about the timeline?

The Doctor Who timeline can be complex, with time travel and alternate realities adding to the confusion. Don’t worry too much about understanding everything perfectly. Focus on enjoying the journey and piecing together the puzzle as you go. Online resources and fan communities can help clarify any confusion.